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9th Reps introduced 853 Bills in One year
The House of Representatives under the leadership of Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has in the last one year introduced a total of 853 bills of which 618 of the bills were already referred to committees for in-depth legislative scrutiny. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); js">
The 9th Assembly of the House clocked one year on June 10, 2020.
The Spokesman of the House and the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Benjamin Kalu in a press statement marking the one year of the 9th Assembly issued in Abuja on Thursday said that the 9th Assembly has restored the confidence of Nigerians in their parliament.
Kalu stated that the current House of Representatives inherited a parliament suffering from distrust of the public due to the antagonistic posture of the past assembly towards the executive which affected the smooth operations of the government thereby denying Nigerians the much needed progress and leadership they expected from the political class.
“We were inaugurated at a time when the legislature was in needless deep-seated acrimony with the executive to the detriment of national growth. We also inherited a legislature that was unpopular, distrusted and antagonized by the public.”
Enumerating the achievements of the 9th House of Representatives in the last one year, Hon. Kalu said that apart from the various life changing bills and motions the House has initiated in the last one year, it has also been on the side of the people of Nigeria in all aspects of our national life.
He stated:
“As at May 19, 2020, a total of 838 bills have been introduced to the House, and are presently at various stages of consideration as outlined below: Bills introduced – 838 Bills awaiting second reading – 618 Bills referred to committees – 68 Bills awaiting consideration by the committee of the whole – 97 Bills read for the third time – 36 Bills negatived – 1 Bills withdrawn – 2 Bills passed – 36 As the People’s Parliament, we have endeavoured to keep a finger on the pulse of the Nation, ensuring that the bills we pass provide real solutions to real issues.
“So far, we have passed various bills to end estimated electricity billing, guarantee interest free student loans for higher education, provide a better labour environment for Nigerian workers, strengthen agriculture and diversify the economy and provide a favourable business environment for MSMEs among other issues of the nation. Some of these bills include the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (Amendment) Bill; the Physically Challenged (Empowerment) Bill; National Orientation Agency Act (Amendment) Bill; Labour Act (Amendment) Bill; Finance Bill; Students Loan (Access to Higher Education) Bill; Federal Roads Bill, 2019; Public Procurement Act (Amendment) Bill; the Company and Allied Matters Bill; and the Emergency Economic Stimulus Bill, 2020.”
The House Spokesman also revealed that the House of Reps has reviewed its legislative agenda in line with current global realities in order to ensure that Nigerians are not in any way left behind as the world faces series of emerging challenges.
“The covid-19 pandemic has challenged our previous assumptions and revealed the weaknesses in our systems, necessitating the urgency of a re-strategized approach to fulfilling the commitments of our erstwhile legislative agenda. As a result of this, the House under the wisdom and leadership of the Speaker, has today, launched a revised legislative agenda identifying 10 key policy areas; Healthcare Delivery; Education; Economy; Security; Agriculture & Food Security; Sustainable Power; Environment and Climate Change; Human Capital Development and Social Investment; Governance; and The Parliament.
“With legislative interventions separated into immediate, intermediate, and long-term action, the new agenda represents our renewed contract with the Nigerian people.
The Spokesman said that the 9th Assembly relies on the support of Nigerians for them to achieve the lofty dreams of the parliament for the Nigerian people.
“We hope that we can count on the support of Nigerians as we navigate the next three years of our assembly. As the people’s parliament, we will continue to seek out informed engagement and constructive partnership as we work to implement the policy objectives we have set out in the new legislative agenda. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Kali said.
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NGIJ Congratulates Alhassan Yahaya on Emergence as NUJ President
Urges Prioritisation of Press Freedom, Journalists’ Welfare
The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) heartily congratulates Comrade Alhassan Yahaya on his resounding victory as the newly elected National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
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In a statement signed by the National President of the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) Malam Abdulrahman Aliagan, Friday in Abuja and made available to Journalists stated that, “As a seasoned professional who has served as NUJ Gombe State Chairman, Vice Chairman of the North-East zone, and most recently as National Deputy President, the NGIJ believes Comrade Yahaya is well-equipped to steer the union towards greater achievements.”
While celebrating this milestone, “the NGIJ calls on the new NUJ leadership to make the protection of press freedom its utmost priority. The union must boldly stand against the increasing gagging of journalists in Nigeria, which undermines not only the journalism profession but also the country’s democracy and fundamental human rights.
In this regard, “the NGIJ draws the attention of the new NUJ executive to the troubling case of four journalists currently incarcerated at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre for nearly two months over a cyberstalking matter involving the Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) and its Group CEO, Mr. Segun Agbaje.
“The union must see this as a clarion call to resist such affronts to the press and demand the immediate release of these journalists.”
The NGIJ remains confident that Comrade Yahaya and his team will deliver a progressive and impactful tenure. We assure the NUJ of our continued collaboration in promoting investigative journalism and defending the noble ideals of the press.
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Gov Ododo Sympathizes with Kogi State Boat Mishap Victims
By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
The Kogi State Governor, Alh. Ahmed Usman Odod has expressed his condolences to the families of victims who lost their lives in a recent boat accident.
In a statement issued today by the S.
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Governor Ododo, who visited the scene of the accident, described the incident as “sad and unfortunate.” He noted that most of the victims were women, petty traders, and artisans who were engaged in legitimate business activities to earn a living and contribute to the state’s economy.
The Governor emphasized the need for urgent attention to the waterway linking Kogi and Niger State, which has become increasingly dangerous due to frequent boat accidents.
He called on relevant authorities to ensure that safety measures are put in place to minimize risks associated with water transportation in the country.
Governor Ododo commended the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for its efforts in the search and rescue operation. He also called for concerted efforts through inter-agency collaboration to prevent cases of waterways accidents and enhance emergency response management.
The Governor assured the families of the victims that the government will support those injured in their recuperation. This incident has once again highlighted the need for improved safety measures on Nigeria’s waterways.
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Gov Ododo Unveils Blueprint for Kogi State’s Urban Revitalization
By Blessing Ameloko-Odoh
The Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo, has unveiled an ambitious plan to revolutionize the state’s urban and housing landscape. The Governor announced this development during a 2-day symposium themed “Modern Housing & Urban Development” held at the Glass House, Government House in Lokoja.
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Representing the Governor, Hon. Joseph Oluwasegun, Commissioner for Environment and Ecological management, reiterated the commitment of Governor Ododo’s administration to transforming the lives of Kogi State residents through modern housing and development initiatives.
The symposium aims to tackle pressing housing challenges confronting the people of Kogi State. The Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon Abanika Taiye, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Dr Zainab Obadaki emphasized that the program will provide affordable housing for the people of Kogi State, prioritizing sustainability and social inclusion.
The Governor has made significant strides in addressing land disputes and environmental degradation in Kogi State.
Hon. Aliu Salami, Economic Adviser to the Governor, emphasized the significance of the symposium, noting that the blueprint presented will unlock numerous benefits, ultimately driving rapid development in the state.
Dr. Zainab Obadaki, Permanent Secretary of the Kogi State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, stressed the significance of the program in achieving modern housing schemes for the people of Kogi State.
The Governor’s commitment to transforming the housing and urban development sector is expected to enhance rapid development and economic growth in Kogi State.
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